I remember my first garden. I was 12 years old and I really wanted my own space, so my parents gave me a small piece of ground around our mailbox. I remember picking out the plants I wanted and placing them in the dirt. And then I remember waiting, waiting, and waiting – rather impatiently – for the garden to grow. Being the type of kid that always read the end of the book first, it was not easy for me to wait. Instant results … that’s what I wanted. I think that was the first and last year of my garden.

To this day, gardening is still not my hobby of choice. Thankfully, my husband has quite the green thumb. Since I enjoy spending time outside, I occasionally join him in the garden, doing a few tasks here and there. This spring, I’m excited about our plans to start an herb garden; to have fresh basil right at my fingertips will be fantastic. And I think I have a bit more patience than I did at age 12 (although time seems to fly by much faster now than it did in my teen years).

As we move into the spring season, people of all ages will be digging in the dirt and loving it. Gardening is an excellent activity for seniors in particular; it provides a host of positive benefits. A practical and informative article on the Better Health Channel suggests that gardening:

• Is an enjoyable form of exercise
• Increases levels of physical activity and maintains mobility and flexibility
• Encourages use of all motor skills – walking, reaching, and bending – through activities such as planting seeds and taking cuttings
• Improves endurance and strength
• Helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis
• Reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation
• Provides stimulation and interest in nature and the outdoors
• Improves well-being as a result of social interaction
• Provides nutritious, home-grown produce

On the other hand, working in the garden may pose some risks for older people. Many seniors have fragile, thinning skin which can bruise or sunburn easily. Age-related changes in vision can hinder the older gardener, along with changes in mental abilities due to dementia or other memory impairments. Seniors are also more susceptible to temperature changes, and falls may happen more frequently due to loss of balance. Osteoporosis and arthritis might also make pulling on those gardening gloves quite a challenge.

But when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, it’s hard to stay inside no matter what the risks. Thankfully, with careful planning and adapting the use of certain tools and equipment, seniors can still enjoy gardening in their golden years. Here are some tips for seniors with green thumbs: Wear sunscreen. Be sure that pathways are flat and that the surface is non-slip. Drink plenty of fluids, like water or juice, and make sure that you can reach the bathroom quickly and easily. Attend to cuts, bruises or insect bites immediately. Raise garden beds to avoid bending and stooping. Take frequent breaks. These are just a few of the many steps recommended to ensure safety for the mature horticulturist.

Another benefit not mentioned in the article is that gardening makes a great intergenerational activity. Kids love playing in the dirt, and what better way to spend a beautiful spring Saturday with your grandchildren than working in the garden? It is crucial to follow the same safety procedures when gardening with young children. Having company is probably an added benefit for the senior who typically tends to the garden alone.

– Michelle Seitzer

So how does your garden grow? Tell us about your favorite vegetable or flower you plant or the thing you love most about gardening.